Newport News Divorce Lawyer Discusses Trial Separation

If you're considering ending your marriage, speak with a Newport News divorce lawyer as soon as possible. Even if you're unsure about the future and want a trail separation, it helps to understand your legal rights. 

When a couple has come to a point in their marital struggles where they feel like they have tried all other options, they may decide to separate. The requirements for separation vary by state. There is no legal separation in Virginia, meaning you don't need to file any paperwork to be recognized as officially separated; all you need to do is begin living apart. The law requires that the parties be separated for one year prior to divorce, although there are some exceptions. 

In cases where one of the spouses gets incarcerated or is involved in adultery, a divorce can be granted right away. If the couple has no children or significant jointly owned property, they may be able to get divorced after only six months of separation. However, these are specific cases to each couple and an attorney who works for women can best counsel you on your available courses of action. 

Getting separated may be the first step toward divorce, but not everyone who gets separated ends up going through with the divorce process. Some couples find that a trial separation period is what they need to get their respective thoughts and feelings in order and to “cool off” after a period of arguing. They can also use this time to seek marital counseling if they have not tried it already. 

If you begin your separation and realize along the line that you want to reunite, you can end the separation at any time by resuming cohabitation as a couple. If you've begun seeing a Virginia Beach divorce attorney, you should let him or her know that you have decided to give your marriage another try. Just remember that doing so will set back the clock on your separation to zero, and if you begin having trouble and decide to end things again, you will have to start from the beginning. 

That's why it's important to give sufficient thought to your decision to reunite. Sometimes, couples reunite during an emotional time, like on an anniversary or holiday. These reunions may be influenced by loneliness and nostalgia and may not mean that things have changed between the couple. If both parties decide, however, to take steps to strengthen the marriage and solve the problems then they have a much better chance of staying together. 

Contacting a Newport News Divorce Lawyer 

The decision to file for divorce usually comes at the end of a long and painful journey. In addition to the emotional turmoil involved, there’s also a lot of fear and uncertainty about what the future holds. Concerns about children, mortgages, and even just paying the bills or buying groceries can easily become overwhelming. 

A Newport News divorce attorney at Hofheimer/Ferrebee can examine the specifics of your case to help you decide how much support to ask for, what child custody arrangement will work best for you and your children, and how to fairly divide your marital assets. Request a FREE copy of our divorce book for women in Virginia, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar – (757)456-1574.